Your Baby’s Fifth Month: Characteristics U0026 Changes

Your baby’s fifth month is really interesting. He will have a greater ability to move around, he will be more social and have a higher ability to concentrate. These are just some of the traits that you begin to observe in your baby’s fifth month of life.

In this article, we take a closer look at the key features of this phase.

In just a few months , your baby has gained strength in his muscles, so he can move around more easily and more frequently. He will continue to try to sit up and this may be possible with a little help or if he is surrounded by cushions and pillows.

Your baby’s development can also be seen in relation to how he relates to others. He will not only want the attention of his parents, and he may try to make contact with other people.

Since all his senses are fully developed, your baby will observe and listen to what is happening around him. 

Take the opportunity to talk to your baby. He will start noticing when you talk to him or say his name. This period is ideal for interaction.

What to expect in your baby’s fifth month

Here are a few of the typical characteristics of babies who are five months old:

• Weight gain: When babies are a few months old, they gain about 150 grams a week. According to the WHO, a healthy weight for a 5 month old baby is around 6.8 kg when it is a girl, and 7 kg when it is a boy.
• Size: A girl should be 63-65 cm long when she is five months old and a boy should be about 65-67 cm long.
• Strength: When your baby is five months old, he should be able to keep his head up for extended periods. They will also try to sit up – or stand – if you place them on a level surface.

Senses and immune system in your baby’s fifth month

• Senses: Their sight and hearing have become much sharper over the last few months. Your baby is now able to identify where the sounds are coming from and they can recognize faces. They will even be able to recognize the sound of their own name.
• Diet: Experts recommend breastfeeding as the only source of nutrition until the baby is at least six months old. During this month and next month you will be able to start introducing transition foods. This should always be pureed or mashed as your baby has not yet got teeth.
• Sleep: Your baby sleeps between 8-10 hours a night and takes daily nap. It is much easier to establish a routine now.

• Immune system: Your child’s immune system is still developing, so it’s important that he gets his vaccinations.

Other questions for your baby’s fifth month

Is my baby ready to spend time around pets? If you already had a pet at home when your baby was born, then the pet will probably have gotten used to the fact that there is a baby and that it therefore gets less attention itself.

Supervising a pet will help your child learn how to treat a pet. However, always make sure that your pet does not harm or scare your child.

A play that specialists recommend for babies who are five months old involves you laying your baby on its back and showing them a toy. Your child will make eye contact and reach out for the toy.

Move the toy from side to side so that your child rotates and moves. This simple exercise helps to develop the abdominal muscles and they stimulate your baby’s senses.

Has your baby’s arrival affected your relationship?

The birth of a baby is a whirlwind of happiness, nerves and insecurity. But as the months go by, you get used to taking care of the little one.

You learn, your baby grows and you both gain experience. This means that it is now possible to establish certain routines around the home.

It is never a bad idea to relax a little and spend time on your relationship. It may have been a bit neglected in recent months.

Let your baby be cared for by his grandparents or a babysitter and then go out to eat, go to the cinema or at least go for a walk.

It is good for both you and your baby when you recharge your batteries and are positive.